The University of Queensland will welcome its first Wotif Scholarship recipients at a special ceremony at its St Lucia campus today, Sunday, February 28.
Made possible through a very generous donation by UQ graduate and co-founder of the online accommodation website Wotif.com, Andrew Brice, the scholarship provides support to deserving students who might not otherwise have been able to take up their place at UQ.
The 'Wotif'' scholarships are valued at $6,000 per year for up to four years.
For Indigenous student Catherine Roth, the scholarship has not only made her move from Gympie to Brisbane feasible, but has also helped her make her dream of becoming a foreign aid doctor more achievable.
Graduating from Victory College last year, Miss Roth said she would be the first in her family to study a Bachelor of Medicine/ Bachelor of Surgery at the University.
“Ultimately I want to become a doctor, as I want to go overseas and help people affected by disaster, abandonment, war or other political conflicts causing poverty and poor living conditions," she said.
“I heard that UQ’s medicine program is recognised at other universities and institutes around the world so it makes it easier for me to realise this dream.”
Having been brought up by her grandmother for most of her life, Miss Roth said the scholarship would help ease the financial burden of starting university and give peace of mind to her grandmother.
“It just makes life easier being that little bit more independent of my Abstudy and my grandmother’s income," she said.
“I’ll still have to learn how to manage my money but I won’t have to worry as much about finding a part time job during first semester.
"Just trying to get to my lectures on time and learn where everything is will keep me busy enough.”
Media: Robbie Mitchell 07 3346 7086 or Jan King 0413 601 248
